Do commanders count towards deck size?

Do Commanders Count Towards Deck Size?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular format that allows players to create unique and personalized decks around a specific commander card. One of the most frequently asked questions in this format is whether the commander itself counts towards the deck size. In this article, we will delve into the answer and explore the implications of including commanders in deck construction.

The Official Answer

According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, the answer is yes. Commanders do count towards the deck size. This means that a Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander itself. This rule is stated in section 903.5a of the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules.

Rationale Behind the Rule

The reason behind this rule is to ensure that Commander decks are balanced and fun to play. By including the commander in the deck size calculation, it prevents players from creating decks that are too powerful or unbalanced. This rule also ensures that players must carefully consider the cards they include in their deck, including the commander, to create a cohesive and strategic game plan.

Implications of Including Commanders in Deck Construction

Including the commander in the deck size calculation has several implications for deck construction. Here are some key points to consider:

• Deck size limits: As mentioned earlier, Commander decks must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander. This means that players must carefully choose the cards they include in their deck to stay within this limit.
• Card selection: With the commander included in the deck size calculation, players must carefully select the cards they include in their deck. This means that players must consider the commander’s power level, color identity, and overall strategy when building their deck.
• Ramp and mana management: Commanders often have high mana costs, which means that players must carefully manage their mana to cast them. This can lead to interesting deck-building strategies and gameplay decisions.
• Card advantage: Including the commander in the deck size calculation can also affect card advantage. Players must carefully consider how to include the commander in their deck without sacrificing card advantage.

Best Practices for Including Commanders in Deck Construction

Here are some best practices for including commanders in deck construction:

• Choose a commander that fits your playstyle: Select a commander that aligns with your playstyle and deck-building strategy.
• Consider the commander’s power level: Choose a commander with a power level that is balanced with the rest of your deck.
• Include cards that support the commander: Include cards that support the commander’s strategy and abilities.
• Manage mana carefully: Pay attention to mana management and include cards that help to ramp up to the commander’s mana cost.
• Keep the deck well-rounded: Ensure that the deck is well-rounded and includes a mix of removal, card draw, and other supporting cards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commanders do count towards deck size in Commander format. This rule is in place to ensure that decks are balanced and fun to play. By including the commander in the deck size calculation, players must carefully consider the cards they include in their deck and develop strategic deck-building and gameplay plans. By following best practices and considering the implications of including commanders in deck construction, players can create competitive and enjoyable Commander decks.